MADRID, April 19 -- Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola confirmed on Tuesday that Jose Pinto will play during the final of Wednesday's Copa del Rey against Real Madrid in Valencia.
Pinto, who is substitute to Victor Valdes in the La Liga and also in the Champions League, has played in all of the games of Barca's Cup campaign this season as he did in their 2009 Cup winning campaign and Guardiola gave him his backing to do so again.
"Tomorrow, it will be Pinto and 10 others. He has always played in the Cup and he will play tomorrow, as long as he is in condition to do so," said Guardiola.
"It would have been a lack of respect to him and the squad to do anything different, because there is no guarantee that we will win the final with Victor (Valdes) in goal. Pinto has always done well, he always plays well and it is important for us all to stay relaxed," said Guardiola.
The Barca coach also responded to questions over the fitness of captain, Carles Puyol, who was carried off the pitch during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Madrid with a hamstring problem.
Puyol has trained over the past days, but Guardiola was unwilling to say if he would be risked in the Cup final.
"He is OK with the injury and he has stood well, he had a muscle problem, but he will travel and then we will decide what to do," he said.
"I think it is going to be a Cup final where anything can happen. It is two great teams playing each other and they have great players. I hope it will be a festive atmosphere and that there are no problems. I hope the fans cheer on their team and respect their rivals," commented Guardiola.
【体坛英语资讯:Guardiola confirms Pintos return at Kings Cup final】相关文章:
★ 体坛英语资讯:Germany edges into Euro 2008 final after defeating Turkey by 3-2
★ 体坛英语资讯:Federer, Jankovic reach second round of French Open
★ 体坛英语资讯:Indiana Jones tops hero poll
★ 体坛资讯:Chinese road riders taste acceleration through studying abroad
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Jolie turns to porn star Gal Pal for catwoman tips
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Pink and racer hubby Carey Hart split up
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Colour, art prevail at Milan Fashion Week
★ 体坛英语资讯:United draws Roma again, Liverpool faces Arsenal
★ 体坛英语资讯:Beijing Olympic flame reaches India
★ 体坛英语资讯:Alonso and Hamilton wait on FIA hearings
最新
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15